JP2000097632A - Device for maintaining target separating distance between object of main optical system and optical output stage and maintaining method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a device for an automatic focusing system to detect zero by receiving a control signal from a loop for control and moving an optical output stage so as to maintain the target separating distance between an object and the optical output stage. SOLUTION: A device is provided with laser sources 4 and 13 to generate incident laser beams and a pair of optical elements to be mounted to both sides of an optical output stage. The first optical element among the pair of optical elements deflects a laser beam toward an object. The object to reflect an incident beam forms a beam to be reflected backward toward the optical output stage. In addition, the second optical element deflects the reflected beam. Furthermore, a high-sensitivity location detector 16 receives the reflected beam at its input surface to obtain a representative output signal of the location of the reflected beam. Then a loop 7 for control interprets an output signal generated by the high-sensitivity location detector 16 and outputs a corresponding control signal. The control signal is computed by such a method as to make the difference zero between the target separating distance between the object and the optical output stage and the actual separating distance measured by the high-sensitivity location datector 16.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] The present invention disclosed herein relates to:
The present invention relates to an improved technique for autofocusing a main optical system for reading and writing effectively on a sample surface. In particular, the present invention relates to an autofocusing system with a distance sensor for zero control using optical elements that are optically separate but mechanically coupled to the optical elements of the primary optical device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art The prior art of the autofocusing operation mainly relies on two techniques. These two techniques and the associated disadvantages are described below. The most common prior art method of autofocusing an optical system uses the same optics for both the imaging system and the autofocusing system. This type of autofocusing system is typically used in the compact disc art and is shown in FIG.

The imaging system whose shape is the simplest is a laser diode 4 which is imaged on a sample 3 by a lens 1. The lens 1 can be moved by a focus actuator 6, which is typically a coil that moves in a magnetic field. By the optical element 2, typically a diffraction grating or a partial mirror, some of the light reflected back from the sample 3 is deflected towards the focus detector 5. When the distance between the lens 1 and the sample 3 changes, a corresponding change is detected by the focus detector 5 and the focus actuator 6 is driven via the amplifier 7 to eliminate the error. This is a type of detecting a known focus servo zero. The main disadvantage of this system is that the optical imaging system is shared by the main beam and the focus beam, especially when the laser 4 is used for writing, requiring a compromise. This type of automatic focusing system has a data-dependent light output of the laser 4,
It makes accurate determination of focus error difficult. This data dependence usually requires a separate and low power focusing laser diode. The high power of the writing laser can blind the focus detector. This focus detector attempts to measure the reflected low power beam.

A second prior art autofocus method is shown in FIG. In this method, a separation distance detector 8 that detects the separated distance is used to control the actuator 6 to keep the distance between the lens 1 and the sample 3 constant. The main disadvantage of this system is that the control action is essentially open loop. Any errors or changes in the position of the lens 1 are not detected by the separation distance detector 8. Furthermore, if the clearance between the detector 8 and the sample 3 is large, it is difficult to achieve the required resolution and stability. The system of FIG. 2 does not bring the focus error to zero, but simply moves the lens 1 to a calculated position without any information as to whether or not it is in focus.

[0005]

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art by providing a method and apparatus for a zero-detecting automatic focusing system. Another object of the invention is to use an automatic focusing system of an optical system. To overcome the trade-off between a focused beam that requires a low power and a write beam that requires a high power that can blind the focus detector, the optics used in the auto-focusing action are the main optics Separate from the optics of the system.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention disclosed herein relates to a maintenance device for maintaining a target separation distance between an object of a primary optical system and an optical output stage. The optical output stage can be a single lens or a complex optical system containing many elements. The maintenance device includes a laser source that generates an incident laser beam, and a pair of optical elements rigidly mounted on both sides of the optical output stage, and the first optical element of the pair of optical elements receives incident light. The laser beam is deflected towards the object. An object that reflects the incident beam forms a reflected beam that returns back toward the optical output stage. A second optical element of the pair deflects the reflected beam.

[0007] The maintenance device further comprises a sensitive position detector (PSD) for receiving the reflected beam at the input surface and providing an output signal representative of the position of the reflected beam at the input surface.
The position of the reflected beam at the input surface is representative of the actual separation distance between the object of the main optical system and the optical output stage, and the maintenance device further comprises an output signal generated by a sensitive position detector. And outputs a corresponding control signal. The control signal is calculated in such a way that the difference between the target separation distance between the object and the optical output stage and the actual separation distance as measured by a sensitive position detector is zero, and the final Output stage positioning, wherein the maintenance device receives the control signal from the control loop and moves the optical output stage in proportion to the control signal so as to maintain the target separation distance between the object and the optical output stage. Equipment.

[0008] Advantageously, the maintenance device has additional optics, which can be used to focus the reflected beam on a sensitive position detector. Therefore, the resolution of the detector increases. Additional optical elements can be reflective, diffractive, or refractive elements. A pair of optical elements coupled to the optical output stage,
It can be a reflective element, a diffractive element, a refractive element. Preferably, the pair of optical elements is a pair of mirrors.

[0009] The maintenance device may include a collimating lens disposed in a path of the incident beam between the laser source and a first optical element of the pair of optical elements. Advantageously, the maintenance device may comprise an optical filter arranged in the path of the reflected beam. An optical filter may attenuate light having a wavelength other than the wavelength of the reflected beam. Optical filters specifically reject any light emanating from the primary optical system.

[0010] The control loop may include a microcontroller for a digital signal processor (DSP). The output stage positioning device can be a moving coil actuator, a moving iron actuator, a moving magnet actuator, a piezoelectric actuator, and a magnetostrictive actuator.

A second aspect of the present invention includes a maintenance method for maintaining a target separation distance between an object of the primary optical system and an optical output stage. This maintaining method includes: (a) a generating step of generating an incident laser beam from a laser source;
(B) a first deflecting step of deflecting the incident beam by the first optical element rigidly attached to the optical output stage, wherein the incident beam travels so as to impinge on the object and is reflected from the object. (C) a second deflecting step of deflecting the reflected beam with a second optical element rigidly attached to the optical output stage; and (d) reflecting the reflected beam. Measuring the position of the reflected beam when the beam impinges on the input surface of the sensitive position detector; and, due to the configuration of the first optical element and the second optical element, the reflection at the input surface. The position of the beam is representative of the actual separation distance between the object of the primary optical system and the optical output stage, and the subsequent steps of the autofocusing system are: output Calculating a feedback signal based on the target separation distance between the object and the actual separation distance as determined in the measurement step, the target separation distance between the object and the optical output stage; The feedback signal is calculated to zero the difference from the separation distance as determined in the measurement process. Ultimately, the autofocusing method comprises: (f) using the feedback signal to control the output stage positioning device, wherein the output stage positioning device comprises: The optical output stage is moved in proportion to the feedback signal so as to maintain the target separation distance.

[0012] Advantageously, the first and second deflection steps can be achieved by an optical element that is a reflective, diffractive or refractive element. Preferably, the first and second deflection steps are accomplished by mirrors. The method further includes a focusing step of focusing the reflected beam on the input surface of the sensitive position detector. A focusing step is performed between the second deflection step (c) and the measurement step (d). At the input surface of the sensitive position detector, the focusing step reduces the spot size of the reflected beam to increase the accuracy of the measurement step. The focusing step is preferably accomplished with additional optical elements that are reflective, diffractive, or refractive elements.

[0013] The focusing step further includes a collimating step of collimating the incident laser beam before the incident laser beam is deflected. A collimating step is performed between the generating step (a) and the first deflecting step (b).
The autofocusing step may further include a filtering step of passing the reflected beam through a filter. A filtering step may attenuate light having a wavelength other than the wavelength of the reflected beam. The filtering step may specifically reject any light originating from the main optical system.

[0014] Advantageously, the output stage positioning device is arranged such that the calculation step is a digital signal processor (DS)
P) is performed by the microcontroller. Preferably,
The output stage positioning device can be a moving coil actuator, a moving iron actuator, a moving magnet actuator, a piezoelectric actuator, or a magnetostrictive actuator.

[0015]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, an automatic focusing system embodying the principles and concepts of the present invention will be disclosed later. Referring to FIG. 3,
An automatic focusing system according to the present invention is shown. The main optical system has a primary laser 4, an optical output stage (represented by lens 1), and a sample 3. The autofocusing system has two mirrors 11, 12 which are fixed to the lens 1 by a rigid member 19 having an opening 21 which allows the light beam to pass. The automatic focusing system
A secondary laser source 13, a collimating lens 14,
An output stage positioning device 6, an amplifying and feedback loop 7, a secondary focusing lens 15,
It further has an optical filter 17 and a high-sensitivity position detector 16. The positioning device 6, often referred to as an actuator, uses a rigid member 19 to
And mirrors 11 and 12. The optical elements or elements 1, 6, 11, and 12 move together as a single optical assembly.

Referring to FIG. 4, the operation of the automatic focusing system according to the present invention is disclosed. Assuming that the optical system is originally focused, the position of the lens 1 is indicated by 1a. The laser 4 irradiates via an optical system, which is at a point 18a on the sample surface 3a.
Focus the beam at. The secondary laser source 13 illuminates through the collimating lens 14, reflects off the first mirror 11, reflects off the read / write surface 3a at point 18a, and then reflects off the second mirror 12. The light is directed at the second mirror 12 via the secondary focusing lens 15 via the optical filter 17 and reaches the position 20 a of the sensitive position detector 16. Optical filter 17 ensures that light from any other source, such as laser 4, is rejected. High sensitivity position detector 16
When the beam reaches the position 20a, the feedback control loop 7 recognizes that the main optical system has been focused, and instructs the output stage positioner 6 to stay at the current position.

Here, it is assumed that the sample 3 is moved to the position 3b. The read / write laser 4 irradiates via the optical system and the optical output stage 1a,
When it reaches the new read / write surface 3b, it is no longer in focus. The secondary laser source 13 illuminates through the collimating lens 14, reflects off the first mirror 11, reflects off the read / write surface 3b at point 18b, and then reflects off the second mirror 12. The second mirror 12 is directed via a secondary focusing lens 15 via an optical filter 17 and a sensitive position detector 16 located at a position 20b.
Reach The difference between the position 20a of the reflected beam reflected when focused and the position of the reflected beam when defocused at the position 20b is detected by the high-sensitivity position detector 16 and read by the feedback loop 7. . The feedback loop 7 sends a corresponding control signal to the output stage positioning device 6. The signal sent by the control loop 7 moves the optical element mounted on the assembly 19 from the position 19a to the position 19b. When the optical output assembly reaches position 19b, the primary optical system is realigned and the reflected beam measured by sensitive position detector 16 returns to position 20a. To return the beam to the steady state position 20a, the optical assembly 19 moves exactly the same amount as the sample 3 has moved.

The secondary laser 13 is not used for reading or writing. Thus, the secondary laser 13 may be constantly available to focus the main optical system. Furthermore, the separation of the autofocusing system from the main optical system is provided by an optical filter 17, which blocks the main laser 4.
The entire autofocus system is optically independent,
And because it is optically separated from the optics of the main system, this autofocusing system is not blinded by the high power beam used to mark the sample 3.

Since the mirrors 11, 12 are mounted on the same assembly 19 as the lens 1, the autofocus system is physically linked to the main optical system. By being physically close, the distance measured by the sensitive position detector 16 is the actual representative of the focal point of the main optical system, shown schematically as lens 1, and thus the prior art outer focus. It is ensured that the possibility of steady state errors inherent in autofocusing systems using distance sensors is eliminated.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous alternatives may be used in place of the optical elements shown in the above description. Mirrors 11 and 12 and lens 15
Any optical element capable of diffracting, reflecting or refracting can be used. Output stage positioning device 6
May be a moving coil actuator, a moving iron actuator, a moving magnet actuator, or a piezoelectric or magnetostrictive actuator. The control loop 7 may be an analog control device,
It may be a DSP microcontroller. The primary optical system may be refracted, reflected, diffracted, or any combination of these as illustrated by lens 1.

[0021]

[Example] The prototype of the automatic focusing system is 10 m
A 670 nm W visible light laser diode manufactured by Toshiba (Japan) was used as the secondary laser source 13. The lens positioning device 6 was a loudspeaker voice coil type actuator. The high-sensitivity position detector 16 is provided by United Detector Technology (United Detect).
or Technology) (USA). A well implemented device and test unit was able to maintain the separation distance between lens 1 and sample 3 within 1 micrometer over a range of up to 1 mm.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 illustrates a first type of prior art autofocusing system, where the focused beam uses optical elements similar to the main optical system.

FIG. 2 illustrates a second type of prior art autofocus system, wherein an external distance sensor is used to feed back distance measurements to a lens positioning device.

FIG. 3 shows the use of a pair of optical elements rigidly mounted on the output stage of the main optical system,
FIG. 3 illustrates the invention used to autofocus the main optical system.

FIG. 4 illustrates the functionality of the present invention and how it can be used to overcome changes in the position of a scanned sample.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Lens 3 ... Sample 4 ... Primary laser 6 ... Output stage positioning device 7 ... Loop 11 ... First mirror 12 ... Second mirror 13 ... Secondary laser source 14 ... Collimating lens 16 ... High sensitivity position detector 17 ... Optical filter

[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] July 14, 1999 (1999.7.1)
4)

[Procedure amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Claim 7

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[Procedure amendment 2]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Claim 16

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

Claims (18)

[Claims] 1. A maintenance device for maintaining a target separation distance between an object of a main optical system and an optical output stage, comprising: (a) a laser source for generating an incident laser beam; and (b) the optical output. A pair of optical elements rigidly attached to both sides of the stage, wherein a first optical element of the pair of optical elements deflects the incident laser beam toward the object, and reflects the incident beam. The object forming a reflected beam returning backward toward the optical output stage, a second optical element of the pair of optical elements deflects the reflected beam, and a maintenance device further comprises: (c) ) Comprising a sensitive position detector for receiving the reflected beam at an input surface and providing an output signal representative of the position of the reflected beam at the input surface, wherein the position of the reflected beam at the input surface is A representative of the actual separation distance between the object and the optical output stage of the main optical system, wherein a maintenance device further comprises: (d) interpreting the output signal produced by the sensitive position detector; A control loop for outputting a corresponding control signal, said control signal comprising a target separation distance between said object and said optical output stage and an actual separation distance as measured by a sensitive position detector. (E) receiving a control signal from the control loop to maintain a target separation distance between the object and the optical output stage. And an output stage positioning device for moving the optical output stage in proportion to the control signal. 2. The maintenance device according to claim 1, wherein additional optical elements are used to focus the reflected beam on the sensitive position detector. 3. The maintenance device according to claim 2, wherein the additional optical element is selected from a group including a reflective element, a diffractive element, and a refractive element. 4. The maintenance device according to claim 1, wherein the pair of optical elements is selected from a group including a reflection element, a diffraction element, and a refraction element. 5. The maintenance device according to claim 1, wherein the pair of optical elements is a pair of mirrors. 6. The maintenance device according to claim 1, wherein a collimating lens is disposed in a path of the incident beam between the laser source and a first optical element of the pair of optical elements. 7. An optical filter disposed in a path of the reflected beam, wherein the optical filter attenuates light having a wavelength other than the wavelength of the reflected beam, and wherein the optical filter is provided from the main optical system. 2. A maintenance device according to claim 1, wherein any light produced is specifically rejected. 8. The maintenance device according to claim 1, wherein the control loop includes a microcontroller for a digital signal processor (DSP). 9. The maintenance device according to claim 1, wherein the output stage positioning device is selected from a group including a moving coil actuator, a moving iron actuator, a moving magnet actuator, a piezoelectric actuator, and a magnetostrictive actuator. 10. A method for maintaining a target separation distance between an object of the main optical system and an optical output stage, comprising: (a) generating an incident laser beam from a laser source; and (b) the optical system. A first deflecting step of deflecting the incident beam with a first optical element rigidly attached to an output stage, wherein the incident beam travels so as to impinge on the object and is reflected from the object. (C) a second deflecting step of deflecting the reflected beam with a second optical element rigidly mounted on the optical output stage; and (d) maintaining the reflected beam at a high level. Measuring the position of the reflected beam when impinging on the input surface of a sensitive position detector, the position of the reflected beam at the input surface being the position of the primary optical system. (E) (i) the measurement between the object and the optical output stage of the primary optical system, wherein the measurement is further representative of the actual separation distance between the object and the optical output stage. Calculating a feedback signal based on an actual separation distance as determined in a step; and (ii) a target separation distance between the object of the primary optical system and an optical output stage; The feedback signal is calculated to zero the difference between the target separation distance and the actual separation distance between the object and the optical output stage; and the maintaining method further comprises: (f) controlling the output stage positioning device The output stage positioning apparatus maintains a target separation distance between the object and the optical output stage. To way, how to maintain moving the optical output stage in proportion to the feedback signal. 11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the deflecting step is performed by an optical element selected from the group having a reflective element, a diffractive element, and a refractive element. 12. The method according to claim 10, wherein the deflecting step is performed by a mirror. 13. A focusing step for focusing said reflected beam on an input surface of said sensitive position detector, said focusing step comprising: said second deflecting step (c) and said measuring step. And (d) at the input surface of the sensitive position detector, wherein the focusing step reduces the spot size of the reflected beam to increase the accuracy of the measuring step. The maintenance method described in. 14. The method according to claim 14, wherein the focusing step includes:
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the method is performed with an additional optical element selected from the group comprising a diffractive element and a refractive element. 15. A collimating step of collimating the incident laser beam before the incident laser beam is deflected, wherein the collimating step includes the generating step (a) and the first deflecting step (b). The maintenance method according to claim 10, which is performed between the maintenance method and the maintenance method. 16. The method further comprising: filtering the reflected beam through a filter, wherein the filtering attenuates light having a wavelength other than the wavelength of the reflected beam, wherein the filtering occurs from the primary optical system. The maintenance method according to claim 10, wherein all light is specifically rejected. 17. The maintenance method according to claim 10, wherein the calculating step is performed by a microcontroller for a digital signal processor (DSP). 18. The maintenance method according to claim 10, wherein the output stage positioning device is selected from a group including a moving coil actuator, a moving iron actuator, a moving magnet actuator, a piezoelectric actuator, and a magnetostrictive actuator.